The BariNation Podcast

Today changes everything.In this special episode of the BariNation Podcast, we officially announce the launch of the BariNation Foundation, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people fighting the chronic disease of obesity.Founded by patients, built by patients, and guided by experts, the BariNation Foundation exists to bring knowledge, community, and hope together, without barriers.In this episode, April Williams is joined by co-founders Jason Smith and Natalie Tierney, along with Melanie Lindell, Christine Mason, and Lori Dustin, to share:✔ Why BariNation transitioned into a nonprofit✔ What 501(c)(3) status means for patients✔ How this expands access to lifelong obesity care✔ Why patient voice must remain central in obesity treatment✔ The future of bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medications, and metabolic care✔ How you can become a Foundational DonorOur MissionThe BariNation Foundation exists to bring knowledge, community, and hope together to support people fighting the disease of obesity.We are treatment-agnostic and committed to supporting individuals pursuing:Bariatric surgeryGLP-1 medicationsMedical obesity treatmentLifestyle-based treatmentLong-term metabolic careOur VisionA future where there are no barriers to accessing lifelong obesity care and support, financial, educational, technological, or systemic.Our ValuesPeople FirstScience Over StigmaCommunity as CareAccess Without BarriersPartnership & IntegrityHope with HonestyWhy This MattersMore than 100 million Americans live with obesity.Hundreds of thousands undergo bariatric surgery each year.Millions are navigating GLP-1 medications and metabolic treatment.And too many are doing it alone.The BariNation Foundation is building a bridge between:PatientsCliniciansResearchersIndustryAnd real-world lived experienceSupport the MissionAs a 501(c)(3), donations are tax-deductible where state law allows.Become a Foundational Donor and help eliminate barriers to obesity care.🔗 https://barination.givecloud.co/fundraising/forms/8NDR96EKEvery deductible dollar goes directly toward:Podcast educationCommunity support groupsAdvocacyFree educational resourcesPatient access initiativesThank you for watching, sharing, and supporting the BariNation Podcast and now, the BariNation Foundation. We could not do this without your support and we are deeply grateful for you.⏱ Timestamps00:00 – The Big Announcement05:00 – Why Nonprofit Status Matters10:00 – Patient Voice at ASMBS15:00 – Expanding Support Beyond Bariatric Surgery20:00 – Sustainability & Financial Stewardship30:00 – Our Mission, Vision & Values35:00 – How to Support the Foundation

Have you ever worked so hard to lose weight, only to feel frozen at the idea of intentionally putting weight back on your body?You’re not alone. And this episode is for you.In this BariNation Podcast episode, we sit down with Kayla Girgen, RD, LD, CPT, registered dietitian, personal trainer, and author of the new book Ruck Fit, to break down rucking through a bariatric lens, the fears, the resistance, and why this simple practice may be one of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools for post-op metabolic health.Rucking is simply walking with weight, and while that sounds straightforward, for bariatric patients, it can bring up a lot of hesitation:“I worked so hard to lose this weight—why would I add it back?”“What if I hurt myself?”“What if it doesn’t actually help?”Kayla meets those fears head-on with science, compassion, and real-world experience.Episode Quotes:"It might sound dramatic to say that rucking saved me, but shouldering the load helped me reclaim my sense of self, perseverance, and inner peace." Kayla Girgen“Rucking's going to help preserve that muscle and help make sure that you can maximize your blood sugar management...By adding weight back in the form of a weighted vest or a ruck, you help provide that weight bearing stimulus that helps tell your skeleton, hey, we still need this bone density."What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy Bariatric Patients Hesitate to Try RuckingThe emotional and psychological resistance to “adding weight back”How fear, all-or-nothing thinking, and perfectionism keep us stuckWhy doing nothing often feels safer than trying something newWhat Rucking Actually Is (and What It’s Not)Walking with a weighted vest or backpack (ruck)Why rucking is low-impact, scalable, and accessibleHow rucking is different from traditional cardio or gym workoutsMuscle, Bone Density, and Post-Op StrengthWhy rapid weight loss can increase risk of muscle and bone lossHow rucking provides the weight-bearing stimulus your skeleton needsWhy preserving muscle matters more than “burning calories”Metabolic Health & Flexibility Explained SimplyWhat metabolic flexibility actually means (without medical jargon)Why bariatric patients often feel hungry quickly or “carb dependent”How rucking helps muscles access fuel without relying on insulinWhy this matters for insulin resistance, inflammation, and long-term healthMental Health, Burnout, and ConsistencyHow rucking supported Kayla through panic attacks and burnoutWhy rucking helps people escape the “all in or all out” cycleThe underrated mental health benefits of movement + natureHow to Start Rucking (Without Overdoing It)How much weight to start with (hint: less than you think)Weighted vest vs backpack: pros, cons, and posture considerationsCreative ways to ruck without going on a long walk (yes, housework counts)Why not every walk needs to be a ruckCommunity, Connection, and Real-Life SupportWhy rucking works well in groups (even at different fitness levels)How community reduces fear and builds confidenceWhy post-pandemic connection matters more than everAbout Kayla Girgen & Ruck FitKayla Girgen, RD, LD, CPT is a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and movement educator who discovered rucking during a season of burnout and anxiety. Her new book, Ruck Fit, explores:The history of ruckingThe science behind why it worksHow rucking supports metabolic, mental, and physical healthPractical, beginner-friendly guidance to get started safelyThis episode brings the book to life, especially for bariatric patients navigating movement after weight loss surgery.Thinking About Trying Rucking?If this episode sparked questions like:“Is rucking safe after bariatric surgery?”“When is the right time to start?”“What if I’m scared I’ll fail?”You’re exactly who this conversation is for.👉 Leave a comment,👉 Email us at [email protected], or👉 DM us inside the BariNation CommunityWe’ll be inviting Kayla back to go even deeper—and your questions help shape those conversations.Links and Resources:BariNation Newsletter Sign- Up: https://barination.kit.com/ea1ff73fb9Metabolic Flexibility Blog: https://kaylagirgenrd.com/metabolic-flexibility/BariNation Support Community: https://barination.mn.co

Metabolic health is more than weight loss—it's about addressing the root causes of obesity as a disease. Today’s episode is sponsored by AdventHealth and we were excited to sit down with Dr. Damon Tanton, Executive Medical Director of AdventHealth Central Florida's Metabolic Health Institute, to explore how insulin resistance drives weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. Dr. Tanton explains why treating obesity requires whole-person care rather than focusing solely on diet and exercise. We discuss the root causes of metabolic syndrome and how personalized care is transforming lives by addressing hyperinsulinemia and reversing metabolic damage before it becomes irreversible.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ Why insulin resistance is the foundation of metabolic health issues and how hyperinsulinemia causes your body to store fat rather than burn it for energy preferentially.✅ Why whole person care and personalized treatment are essential for long-term success, and how AdventHealth Central Florida's approach eliminates shame and judgment from obesity medicine.✅ How understanding the cause can determine the best treatment course, and how bariatric surgery and GLP1/GIP medications work as potent insulin sensitizers that can reverse years of metabolic damage and reduce inflammation throughout the body.Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month! You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time or recurring donation.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Metabolic health, obesity medicine and understanding insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia06:56 Why obesity is a physiological, not a behavioral issue, and obesity is not your fault 18:52 How visceral fat triggers the metabolic disease cascade and the domino effect28:30 The importance of early intervention in metabolic syndrome30:43: Discussion of personalized individualized care and the frustration with healthcare 38:20 Whole person care approach at AdventHealth Central Florida 44:34 Overcoming shame and judgment in obesity treatment and creating trust between patient and doctor55:50 Life gained through metabolic wellness and authenticity, and when is the best time to have surgery1:00:22 Jason shares how his life has changed, and Dr. Tanton encourages being your authentic self to the listener KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Insulin resistance affects over 100 million Americans and is the underlying cause of 70% of all diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, anxiety, and reproductive problems. Addressing hyperinsulinemia is the key to reversing metabolic health decline.💎 The medical system has been backwards for decades, blaming patients for behavioral issues instead of addressing the science first. Personalized care that treats the whole person without judgment is essential for sustainable results.💎 Bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications are not just weight loss tools—they're powerful treatments that correct physiological dysfunction by dramatically lowering insulin levels and reducing inflammation throughout the body.ABOUT THE GUEST: Damon Tanton, MD, is board-certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. He serves as Executive Medical Director of the Metabolic Health Institute at AdventHealth and sees patients at AdventHealth Medical Group in Orlando, Florida. A University of Miami School of Medicine graduate, he completed his residency at Wright-Patterson Medical Center and fellowship in endocrinology at Lackland Air Force Base. He specializes in diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity treatment, PCOS, and thyroid disorders.AdventHealth Central Florida - InstagramAdventHealth Orlando - WebsiteAdventHealth Central Florida, Damon Tanton, MD,AdventHealthWeightLoss.comRESOURCES MENTIONED: BariNation WebsiteBariNation - EmailBariNation - Partnership Monthly Membership BariNation’s How to Find an Obesity Specialist Guide

If you’ve ever felt confused, discouraged, or even ashamed about your weight—especially if you’ve tried “everything” and it still feels difficult—this conversation will change how you understand your body and your journey.In this encore episode, recorded live at AdventHealth, bariatric and metabolic medicine specialists Dr. Melissa Bagloo and Dr. Shiva Seetahal explain why weight loss is not just about willpower or discipline, but about biology, hormones, metabolism, and how our bodies are designed to protect us.This episode is for anyone who:Is considering bariatric surgeryIs pre-op, post-op, or experiencing a plateau or regainHas struggled with dieting, weight cycling, or self-blameWants to understand what their body is actually doing — and whyYou’ll walk away with clarity, relief, and a much kinder understanding of yourself.By listening to this episode, you’ll learn:Why bariatric surgery works differently than diets, and how it changes gut hormones, insulin response, hunger, fullness, and metabolic signaling instead of just “restricting” food.Why obesity is a chronic, biological disease, not a personal failure, and why that changes how it should be treated and supported long-term.Why weight loss is often a side effect of improved metabolic health, not the primary mechanism, and why focusing only on the scale can miss what really matters.Why plateaus, slowdowns, and even weight regain are not signs of failure, but a normal part of how the body adapts and recalibrates over time.How medications can support weight and metabolic health before or after surgery, and why adding a tool doesn’t mean surgery didn’t work.Why surgery is not the end of the journey, but the middle of it, and why ongoing support, follow-up, and community matter for long-term success.How to release shame and self-blame by understanding the science behind weight regulation, so you can replace judgment with compassion and informed care.What whole-person, compassionate obesity care actually looks like, and why your emotional, mental, and physical health all deserve to be part of the conversation.So many people struggling with weight feel isolated, broken, or like they’re doing something wrong.This episode reframes that story.It explains why your body may feel like it’s working against you, and how bariatric and metabolic medicine work with your biology instead of fighting it.Most importantly, it reminds you that you’re not alone, you’re not failing, and you deserve care, support, and understanding along the way.Listen If You’re:Pre-op and trying to understand what surgery actually doesPost-op and wondering why your journey looks the way it doesFeeling stuck, plateaued, or discouragedCurious about how hormones, metabolism, and biology affect weightReady to replace shame with clarity and supportIf this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need to hear this message, too, because weight is heavy enough without carrying it alone.Click HERE to learn more about whole-person care at AdventHealth Central Florida.A special thank you to AdventHealth Central Florida for making this episode and education possible!You got this, and we got you.RESOURCES:Check out this exclusive AdventHealth BariNation Monthly Membership for only $29/mo! BariNation WebsiteJoin the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment. https://barination.com/pages/join-our-communityWant to see bonus content? Head over to https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast to get more and support the podcast for as low as $5 per month!GUEST RESOURCES:Melissa Bagloo, MD - AdventHealth WebsiteShiva Seetahal, MD - AdventHealth WebsiteBIOGRAPHIES: Dr. Melissa Bagloo is a board-certified bariatric and general surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. A Florida native, she trained in the Northeast before joining AdventHealth. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida. She completed her general surgery residency at NYU, followed by a minimally invasive and bariatric surgery fellowship at Weill Cornell and Columbia. Specializing in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery, Dr. Bagloo has performed over 500 robotic and thousands of minimally invasive procedures. She is dedicated to whole-patient care, helping patients achieve lasting weight loss with minimal recovery time.Dr. Shiva Seetahal is a board-certified surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and laparoscopic procedures, strongly focusing on patient care and satisfaction. He earned his medical degree with honors from the University of the West Indies, completed his surgical residency at Howard University Hospital, and pursued a Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery fellowship at Atlanta Medical Center. He has been actively involved in research, has published numerous works, and has served on editorial boards for surgical journals. Dr. Seetahal is also a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).ABOUT:If the BariNation podcast helps power your bariatric journey, become a monthly podcast supporter and help us produce the show! Visit www.barinationpodcast.com and help us support people treating the disease of obesity with humor, humility, and honesty.We need your help to keep the BariNation Podcast in production. Your one-time or recurring donations help us ensure this free support remains open to everyone. Click Drive To Thrive - Donation to learn more and give. THANK YOU for your support!

What if the reason change feels so hard isn’t because you’re failing……but because you’re finally doing it right?In this first episode of 2026, April, Jason, and Natalie gently but firmly dismantle one of the biggest lies in the bariatric space: that transformation is something you can plan, download, buy, or perfect.It isn’t.Real transformation isn’t clean. It isn’t aesthetic. It isn’t linear.It’s what happens when you hit present reality at high velocity and stop trying to tape the pieces back together the way they were before.In this conversation, we explore:Why surgery is not the transformation, it’s the catalystWhy so many of us hit a wall post-op and think something is wrong with usWhy chasing “the next right thing” (the planner, the diet, the supplement, the system) is often a way to avoid the actual workWhy the middle, the messy, uncomfortable, identity-shifting middle, is the workAnd why transformation is less about becoming someone new and more about becoming honestThis episode is for you if you are:Contemplating a different way forwardPreparing for bariatric surgeryOr sitting in chaos, knowing you cannot keep living the way you areIt’s a loving confrontation and a deep exhale.You’re not broken.You’re not behind.You’re in the middle.And that’s exactly where transformation lives.Click here to read the Substact Post by Suleika Jaouad that helped us look at "resolutions" in a new way.Did something in this episode resonate with you? Let us know by leaving a comment on the platform you are watching or listening to, or by emailing [email protected] love hearing from you, learning your takeaways, "aha" moments, and questions you might have after taking in this episode.BariNation is a patient-created and patient-led orginization that needs your support to produce this show.➡️ If you enjoyed this episode, give us a High Five $5 donation. Your support helps us reach more people and support patients in every stage of their journey.Yes, $5 does help. You've got this, and we've got you._____________________________Connect with BariNationInstagram: @bari.nationFacebook: @barinationTikTok: @barinationYouTube: @barinationWebsite: www.barination.comSupport Community: www.barination.mn.coEmail: [email protected]